2026-2027 Europa League: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Celje, Probable Lineups

Bayer 04 Leverkusen is ready to make its debut in the Europa League group stage. Celje is coming to the BayArena, with the German team aiming to kick off its European campaign with a win. This opening-round matchup pits two teams against each other, each having taken a different path to reach the competition. Bayer 04 earned a spot in the group stage by finishing sixth in the Bundesliga last season. Celje, on the other hand, qualified for the Europa League after being eliminated in the Champions League playoffs by Slovan Bratislava, which won 3-2 on aggregate over the two legs.

Martinez’s team heads into this European match following a 2-2 draw on the road against Augsburg. Bayer managed to avoid defeat thanks to goals from Kofane and Schick. Martinez is expected to stick with his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Schick leading the attack and Tillman playing behind him. Palacios and Garcia are expected to form the midfield duo, while Quansah is expected to start at center back alongside Tapsoba.

Probable Lineups

BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Vazquez, Quansah, Tapsoba, Gutierrez; Palacios, Garcia; Maza, Tillman, Moreira; Schick. Head Coach: Martínez.

CELJE (4-2-3-1): Leban; Sirvys, Hrka, Tutyskinas, Koutris; Daniel, Zabukovnik; Avdyli, Seslar, Kvesic; Kucys. Head Coach: Campelos.